How lovebirds fly in crosswinds based on minimal visual information

TL;DR

This study reveals that lovebirds can navigate crosswinds effectively using minimal visual cues, relying on passive aerodynamics and proprioception to maintain heading and compensate for wind, even in low-light conditions.

Contribution

It demonstrates that lovebirds utilize a combination of passive aerodynamics and muscle proprioception for wind compensation, challenging previous assumptions about sensory reliance.

Findings

Lovebirds navigate effectively with minimal visual cues.

They turn their bodies into the wind to maintain heading.

Proprioception and passive aerodynamics are key to wind compensation.

Abstract

Flying birds navigate effectively through crosswinds, even when wind speeds are as high as flight speeds. What information birds use to sense crosswinds and compensate is largely unknown. We found that lovebirds can navigate 45-degree crosswinds similarly well in forest, lake, and cave-like visual environments. They navigate effectively using only a dim point light source as a beacon, despite being diurnal and raised in captivity. To maintain their heading, the lovebirds turn their bodies into the wind mid- flight, while orienting their heads towards the goal with neck angles up to 30 degrees. We show how this wind compensation can be achieved using a combination of passive aerodynamics and active control informed by muscle proprioception, a sensory input previously thought to be unimportant in detecting wind.